As of 2:00 PM on May 27, 2025, ESPN has confirmed that Bryson Cardinal, a player for Purdue University’s men’s basketball team, has been arrested on charges of Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). Cardinal is the son of a former Purdue basketball player, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
The arrest occurred early this morning in West Lafayette, Indiana, when local law enforcement responded to a report of a vehicle being driven erratically. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers observed signs of intoxication and conducted field sobriety tests, which Cardinal reportedly failed. He was subsequently taken into custody and booked on OWI charges.
Purdue University has stated that it is aware of the incident and is in the process of gathering more information. The university emphasized its commitment to upholding high standards of conduct and will take appropriate action in accordance with its policies and procedures. At this time, no further details have been released regarding potential disciplinary measures or changes to Cardinal’s status with the team.
This incident marks the second known OWI-related arrest involving a Purdue men’s basketball player in recent years. In 2021, forward Mason Gillis was arrested under similar circumstances. Following his arrest, Gillis was sentenced to 365 days of unsupervised probation, had his driver’s license suspended for 180 days, and was required to attend drug and alcohol counseling. He was also suspended for the first four games of the following season. The university handled the matter internally, and Gillis was later reinstated to the team.
The Purdue men’s basketball program, under the leadership of head coach Matt Painter, has a history of addressing off-court issues with a focus on accountability and rehabilitation. It is expected that the program will follow a similar approach in handling Cardinal’s situation.
As the legal process unfolds, both the university and the basketball program will likely continue to monitor the situation closely. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behavior, especially for student-athletes who are often held to higher standards due to their visibility and influence. The Purdue community, including fans and alumni, will be watching closely to see how the university and the men’s basketball program address this matter.
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